Family, friends pay tribute to Hornsby Spares owner George ‘The Wrecker’ Neimanis
THORNLEIGH identity George “The Wrecker” Neimanis was remembered in a touching tribute by family and friends on Friday.
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THORNLEIGH identity George “The Wrecker” Neimanis was remembered in a touching tribute by family and friends on Friday.
Mr Neimanis died on Monday, August 13, at the age of 83, following an ongoing battle with prostate cancer.
He owned and operated Hornsby Spares in Pioneer Ave, Thornleigh, for almost 50 years until his retirement in 2010.
“The business was his pride and passion and he worked 60 to 70 hours a week at times,” Mr Neimanis’ wife, Baiba, said.
“Nothing was computerised but George knew where every car part was stacked and on which shelf and also what model of car it belonged to. By today’s standards, he ran his business in a somewhat unconventional way.”
She said her husband had a “wicked sense of humour” and was known to play pranks on his customers.
His nephew Martin said “George The Wrecker” was known throughout Hornsby, The Hills district and beyond.
“Mechanics, panel beaters, auto electricians, other wreckers and almost anyone else who has been through his yard ... would remember him,” he said.
“His large frame, the singlet worn inside out, the shorts too short ... and the work boots aka thongs/sandals.”
Mr Neimanis was born in Latvia and emigrated to Australia in 1950.
He married in 1960 and a couple of years later started his own auto dismantling business in George St, Hornsby, before moving to the Pioneer Ave premises.
Mr Neimanis is survived by his wife, two children and three granddaughters.